Chili Cornbread Bowl: A Hearty Hug in a Bowl
There's something undeniably comforting about a bowl brimming with warm, flavorful chili nestled in a golden-brown cornbread crust. This classic combination is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, satisfying cravings from casual weeknight dinners to game-day gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Cornbread:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Chili:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey, plant-based crumble)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
- Tortilla chips
Instructions:
Make the Cornbread:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an oven-safe bowl or individual ramekins.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared bowl(s) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Chili:
- In a large pot, brown ground beef (or substitute) over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
- Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans to the pot.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Carefully scoop out some cornbread from the bowl to create a well.
- Fill the cornbread bowl generously with chili.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños (if desired), and crumbled tortilla chips.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- For a vegetarian or vegan chili, use plant-based protein like lentils or tofu and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Serve chili cornbread bowls as a main course, a hearty appetizer, or a game-day snack.
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